Best US Castles and Follies to Visit for Couples

Share This

Do you know that you might live close to a castle here in the United States? And if you’re looking for a unique and exciting date idea, wedding location, or romantic getaway then here are some of the best US castles that you can tour or stay overnight at.

PLEASE SHARE THIS POST with your friends.

Before you exit grab your free date idea cards and vacation things-to-do list.

Iolani Palace | Honolulu, HI

Iolani Palace in Honolulu, HI | Photo credit Wikipedia Commons

Address

364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813

Coordinates of Iolani Palace

21.3068° N, 157.8588° W

Description

  • museum
  • 10 rooms
  • Four stories
  • Archetectural Style: Italian Renaissance

Why the Iolani Palace Was Built

The Iolani Palace served as the official residence of the last Hawaiian monarchs from 1882-1893, where they held official functions, hosted and entertained dignitaries and luminaries from around the world.

It also served as the Hawaii capitol for almost 80 years until it was vacated and restored in the 1970s.

Tours

The first two floors have been meticulously restored and are available for tours.

The first floor consists of the public reception areas – the Grand Hall, State Dining Room, Blue Room, and the Throne Room

The second floor consists of the private suites – the King’s and Queen’s suites, Music Room, and the Imprisonment Room, where Queen Liliuokalani was detained under house arrest for about eight months after her government was overthrown.

==>[CLICK HERE] to get DEALS on Tours of Iolani Palace and surrounding areas.

Boldt | Alexandria Bay, NY

Boldt Castle in Alexandria Bay, NY | Photo credit Wikipedia Commons

Address

1 Heart Island, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607

Coordinates of Boldt Castle
+44° 20′ 40.29″ N, -75° 55′ 21.27″ W

Description

  • Port of Entry Canada-US, wedding reception hall, point of interest for tours
  • 120 Rooms
  • 6 Floors
  • Architectural Style: Châteauesque
  • Located on Heart Island near Alexandria Bay, NY
  • Operates Spring to Fall

Why Boldt Castle Was Built

George C. Boldt, the millionaire proprietor of the world-famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, started to build a full-size Rhineland-style castle of 120 rooms to display his love for his wife Louise. After she passed in 1904 he halted all construction and it sat vacant and unfinished until 1977. (Learn more of the history of Boldt Castle on the official Boldt Castle website).

Tours

Arrival at Heart Island is only possible by boat.

*Boldt Castle Is NOT Open to the Public All Year

It’s open from May to October check for specific dates and hours of operation

Click here for a list of boat operators that take you to Heart Island.

Take virtual tours from the Boldt Castle official website here.

FREE DOWNLOAD

[Click Here] to Access Free Checklist

Hammond | Gloucester, MA

Hammond Castle in Gloucester, MA | Photo credit Wikipedia Commons

Address

80 Hesperus Ave, Gloucester, MA 01930

Hammond Castle Coordinates

42.5852° N, 70.6924° W

Description

  • museum open to the public
  • 5,996 Square feet
  • Architectural Style: Medieval
  • Operates Spring to Winter

Why Hammond Castle Was Built

Hammond Castle was constructed in 1926 by inventor John Hays Hammond, Jr. to be his residence and place of storage for his private collection of artifacts from ancient Rome through the Renaissance.

Tours

The Hammond Castle Museum offers both self-guided tours and guided tours, and outdoor grounds visits.

Click here for self-guided tour info.

Hearst | San Simeon, CA

Hearst Castle in San Simeon, CA| Photo Credit Wikipedia Commons

Address

750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452

Hearst Castle Coordinates

35.6852° N, 121.1682° W

Description

  • museum
  • 115 Rooms (including 38 bedrooms, 40+ bathrooms)
  • 60,645 square feet
  • Theatre
  • Beauty salon

Why Hearst Castle Was Built

William Hearst Sr, businessman, newspaper publisher, and politician built Hearst Castle to fulfill his childhood dream of constructing a castle residence to resemble the ones he had seen while touring Europe as a boy. It was not completely finished while he was alive, but he did live in it until 1947.

Tours

Explore William Hearst’s personal collection of rare and ancient works of art and get a glimpse into how it felt to live in a lavish private castle.

==>[CLICK HERE for DEALS] on Hearst Castle Tours and surrounding areas.

FREE Date Idea and Travel Idea PDFs for Couples:

Grab your free date idea cards and vacation things-to-do list

Thornewood | Lakewood, WA

Thornewood in Lakewood, WA | Photo Credit Wikipedia Commons

Address

8601 N Thorne Ln SW, Lakewood, WA 98498

Coordinates of Thornewood Castle

47.1303° N, 122.5514° W

Description of Thornewood Castle

  • Private residence, bed-and-breakfast, wedding reception and corporate event hall
  • 54 rooms (including 22 bedrooms, 22 bathrooms)
  • Architectural Style: Tudor Gothic
  • 27,000+ square feet

Who Built Thornewood Castle

Financier and one of the founders of Port of Tacoma Mr. Chester Thorne with his wife Anna. It was constructed between 1908-1911. Part of the materials from a 400-year-old manor located in England were shipped and used in the main house.

What Movies or TV Series Does Thornewood Castle Appear In

  • Stephen King’s Red Rose mini-television series (2002)
  • Ridley Pearson’s “The Diary of Ellen Rimbauer” (2003)
  • “There Will Be Blood” (Oscar Winner in 2007)
  • “The Eyes of the Totem” (1927)

Tours

(None)

Thornewood Castle is run as a bed-and-breakfast hotel, wedding event, and corporate event site.

Book a Room or Suite at Thornewood Castle

Get info on suites, rooms for your honeymoon, or your next romantic getaway.

Discounts may apply when booking directly through the official website.

Biltmore | Asheville, NC

Biltmore | Asheville, NC | Photo Credit Wikipedia Commons

Address

1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803

Coordinates of Biltmore

35.5406° N, 82.5523° W

Description of Biltmore Estate

  • Hotel, tours, winery
  • 250 rooms (including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces)
  • 175,000 square feet
  • Architectural Style: Châteauesque

Why Biltmore Was Built

Famous art collector George Vanderbilt built Biltmore as a country retreat to pursue his passion for art, literature, and archecture.

Book a Getaway at Biltmore

Check out the three different levels of stays available for you to book for romantic getaways for couples at the Biltmore Estate.

[Click Here] to get resort stay information

Tours

Various tours offer different experiences from the grounds and winery to exploring the main building.

==>[CLICK HERE for Deals] on Ashville, NC tours

Castello di Amorosa | Calistoga, CA

Castello di Amorosa | Calistoga, CA | Photo Credit Wikipedia Commons

Address

4045 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515

Coordinates of Castello di Amorosa

38.5586° N, 122.5428° W

Description

  • winery, vineyard in Napa Valley
  • Architectural Style: Medieval (including a moat, drawbridge, five towers, high defensive ramparts)
  • 107 rooms
  • 121,000 square feet

Why the Castello di Amorosa Was Built

Fourth-generation winemaker Dario Sattui built this 13th-century Tuscan castle winery to honor and celebrate his Italian heritage and passion for medieval architecture.

Tours

Castello di Amorosa is open to the public to book wine tasting and private events

(Read My Post below==>)

Ultimate Bucket List for Couples

[Click Here] to Go to Bucket List Post

Grey Towers | Glenside, PA

Grey Towers | Glenside, PA | Photo Credit Wikipedia Commons

Address

450 S. Easton Road; Glenside, PA 19038

Coordinates of Grey Towers Castle

40°5′27″N 75°9′53″W

Description

  • National Historic Landmark, Arcadia University campus building
  • 40 rooms
  • Architectural Style: Gothic Revival
  • 53,564 square feet
  • Opened 1893

Why Grey Towers Castle Was Built

Grey Towers was originally built as the estate of William Welsh Harrison, co-owner of the Franklin Sugar Refinery.

Tours

Check out Grey Towers grounds and mansion tours.

Lyndhurst Mansion | Tarrytown, NY

Lyndhurst Mansion | Tarrytown, NY | Photo Credit Wikipedia Commons

Address

635 S Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591

Coordinates of Lyndhurst Castle

41.0540° N, 73.8673° W

Description

  • tourist destination, wedding events, film, television and photography location
  • 16 rooms
  • 39,000 square feet
  • Architectural Style: Gothic Revival country house

Tours

Mansion and grounds tours are available to the general public, plus virtual tours.

[Click here] for virtual tours of Lyndhurst Mansion

Fonthill | Doylestown, PA

Fonthill | Doylestown, PA | Photo Credit Wikipedia Commons

Address

525 E Court St, Doylestown, PA 18901

Coordinates of Fonthill Castle

40.3211° N, 75.1230° W

Description

  • museum, private events and catering, photography location
  • 44 rooms (including 18 fireplaces, 32 stairwells, 21 chimneys, 200+ windows)
  • 19,000 square feet
  • Architectural Style:  mix of Medieval, Gothic, and Byzantine

Why Fonthill Castle Was Built

Fonthill Castle was the home of archaeologist, anthropologist, ceramist, scholar and antiquarian Henry Chapman Mercer (1856-1930). Mercer also used it as a showplace for his collection of tiles and prints.

Tours

Visit Fonthill Castle for tours and the Mercer Museum.

Belvedere | New York, New York

Belvedere Castle | New York, New York | Photo Credit Wikipedia Commons

Address

Central Park, New York, New York

Coordinates of Belevedere Castle

40.7794° N, 73.9691° W

Description

  • tourist destination in Central Park New York, folly (not castle)
  • 1,820 square feet
  • Architectural Style: hybrid of Gothic and Romanesque
  • contains exhibit rooms and observation deck

Why Was Belvedere Castle Built

Completed in 1872, Belvedere Castle was designed as a place to enjoy views of the surrounding landscape.

What is Unique about Belvedere Castle?

Belvedere Castle is one of the most iconic spots in Central Park and is located atop the huge rock outcrop called Vista Rock which is the second-highest natural point in Central Park

Tours

Belvedere Castle offers a variety of tours, events, and activities

==>[CLICK HERE] for DEALS on NYC Central Park tours

Castle Farms | Charlevoix, MI

Castle Farms | Charlevoix, MI | Photo Credit Castlefarms.com

Address

5052 M-66, Charlevoix, MI 49720

Coordinates of Castle Farms

45.2783° N, 85.2283° W

Description

  • Special events facility, tourist location, wine shop
  • 22,000 square feet (barn)

Why Castle Farms Was Built

Albert Loeb, Vice President of Sears, Roebuck and Company, built Castle Farms as a model farm to showcase livestock and new farm equipment that was sold by his company.

Tours

Take self-guided and guided tours.

Castle in the Clouds | Moultonborough, NH

Castle in the Clouds | Moultonborough, NH | Photo Credit Wikipedia Common

Address

455 Old Mountain Road; Moultonborough, NH 03254

Coordinates of Castle in the Clouds

43.7284° N, 71.3220° W

Description

  • tourist destination, wedding pavilion, restaurant
  • 16 rooms (many with views of the surrounding lakes and mountains)
  • 10,000 square feet
  • Architectural Style: Arts and Crafts. Castle in the Clouds was built with cutting edge materials like steel beams, poured concrete, and terra cotta architectural blocks

Why Castle in the Clouds Was Built

Shoe industry magnate Tom Plant built his estate as a primary residence to take advantage of the mountain and lake views.

Tours

Castle in the Clouds offers mansion tours, hiking and walking trails, a restaurant, exhibit gallery, and fishing pond.

What is a Folly?

Some of the best US castles you can visit are not even castles- they might be a folly.

What is a folly?

A folly is an ornate building designed for decoration without a practical purpose but whose appearance suggests it’s something else. A great example of that would be Cinderella’s Castle in Disney’s Magic Kingdom Theme Park in Orlando, Florida.

A castle was designed to fortify itself against attack with high thick walls and towers and was used as a residence and typically built in Medieval times.

Castle Vs Palace?

Palaces were not built to protect themselves against an attack, while castles were, and a palace’s primary purpose is as a place of residence.

Oldest Castle in the US

Bacon’s Castle | Surry County, Virginia

Can You Buy a Castle?

Looking for your dream home for you and your partner?

Check out this site that lists US castles for sale

US Castles Hotels You Can Stay In

Looking for a romantic getaway? Find the nearest US castle where you can reserve a night’s stay.

Check out the official website of these US castles that serve as hotels or bed-and-breakfasts.

Some of the castles listed below are also part of the main list in this blog post.

Biltmore Estate | Ashville, NC

Castle Hotel & Spa | Tarrytown, New York

Castle Marne Bed and Breakfast | Denver, Colorado

Thornewood Castle | Lakewood, Washington

Highlands Castle | Bolton, New York

The Kentucky Castle | Versailles, Kentucky

Oheka Castle | Huntington, New York

Castle Hill Resort and Spa | Ludlow, Vermont

Williamswood Castle | Knoxville, Tennessee (Facebook)

Covington Castle | Covington, Louisiana (Air BnB)

La Chambre Bleue | Sonora, California (Booking.com)

Texas Hill Country Castle | Burnet County, Texas (Air BnB)

Castles in the US for Weddings

Want a storybook wedding? Or maybe suggest one to a friend?

Check out these US castles where you can book a wedding or wedding reception.

(Some of these repeat from the main list above).

Biltmore Estate | Ashville, NC

Castle Hill Resort and Spa | Killington, VT

Boldt Castle | Thousand Islands, NY

Landoll’s Mohican Castle | Loudonville, OH

Henderson Castle | Kalamazoo, MI

Oheka Castle Hotel and Estate | Long Island, NY

The Chanler at Cliff Walk | Newport, RI

Fonthill Castle | Doylestown, PA

Thornewood Castle | Lakewood, WA

Lyndhurst Mansion | Tarrytown, NY

Castle Farms (Castle) | Charlevoix, MI

Castle in the Clouds | Moultonborough, NH

Which are the best US Castles that are missing from this list? Which Have You Visited?

Roaster Rick

View Comments

Recent Posts

20 New Orleans Bucket List Things to Do for Couples

Ready to add these New Orleans bucket list items to this year's travel plans? For the record, I never thought…

1 year ago

Popular Behind-the-Scenes Tours in the US

Time to tick off some famous behind-the-scenes tours off your couples' travel bucket list? I finally visited Alcatraz in San…

1 year ago

10 Famous Underground Caves in the World for Adventurous Couples

Got famous underground caves on your bucket list for couples' travel ideas? If you're an adventurous type of couple then…

1 year ago

10 Top Destinations for Shark Encounters in the World

Ready to travel to one of the best bucket-list, world-famous destinations for shark encounters? Are you the adventurous type of…

1 year ago

10 Romantic Spa Resorts in the US for Romantic Getaways

Is it time to book a reservation at one of the top romantic spa resorts in the US for you…

1 year ago

10 Healthy Drinks to Lose Weight When You Don’t Exercise

One easy way to gain weight is not paying attention to what we drink, but these healthy drinks to lose…

1 year ago